So, I'm curious. (I'm not really sure where to post this!)
In class we are taught to check placement by residual pH.
The hospitals in our area still have policies saying to inject air and listen. Despite that there is evidenced based practice saying it's not an effective way to check placement. Other hospitals in the state have realized that and changed policies EIGHT years ago.
So my question is, is this really just my area that still does it that way?
Of course... no personal diagnostic equipment is permitted (whistling, while looking up and away to avoid eye contact).
To be counted as legit, the litmus paper would have to come from the lab and be QA'd just like the UA strips, AccuChecks, and UPTs. Still, if the aspirate didn't show up as acidic, I'd be pretty reluctant to put anything down the tube pending additional confirmation.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I use pH strips to check placement on my pediatric PDN patients and also as a reference for effectiveness of PPI & H2 blockers in a patient with reflux & hyper secretion issues. We used pH strips to check placement in school.
I'm pushing for my agency to add pH for GT placement check to be added to policy & competency as it's accurate and low cost EBP.
You can get a pack of pH strips for minimal cost on amazon or your local DME/pharmacy/surgical supply store.
We aspirate some content at bedside. Record the cm. (i.e. 55 cm)
Confirmation of placement though with an abdominal flat plate.
Daily checks of cm marking to assure tube hasn't advanced or been retracted. Aspirate contents. Air bolus. If any suspicions it's malpositioned.... xray.
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morte, LPN, LVN
7,015 Posts
yup, looking up and to the left....